Pegboard Hanger Assembly

ABSTRACT

A pegboard hanger assembly is provided for mounting on a pegboard surface. The pegboard includes a first hole formed therethrough. The pegboard hanger assembly includes: a hanger including a hanger base and a pin projecting from a rear surface thereof, the pin including flanged end and a grommet locatable on the at least one hole formed through the pegboard surface, the grommet including a passage formed therethrough and an inwardly projecting shoulder formed within the passage of the grommet. The pin projecting from the hanger is insertable through the passage of the grommet and the flanged end of the pin is insertable through the shoulder of the passage of the grommet when the grommet is located on the at least one hole formed through the pegboard surface to secure the hanger on the pegboard surface.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 16/793,009, filed Feb. 18, 2020 and entitled “Pegboard Hanger Assembly,” which claimed the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/806,920, filed Feb. 18, 2019. The entire content of both the aforementioned patent applications is incorporated herein by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of Invention

The present general inventive concept pertains generally to the field of storage and hanger devices. More particularly, this disclosure relates to a pegboard hanger assembly for securely supporting and organizing items on a pegboard.

2. Description of the Related Art

Pegboards are commonly used for organizing, for storage and for hanging items such as tools on a wall or other surface. Pegboards typically include a plurality of uniformly spaced-apart holes formed through a sheet of material. Various hangers exist that may be mounted on a pegboard surface for supporting various items on the pegboard, such as tools and other related items.

Existing hangers typically rely on portions of the hangers aligning with and extending through holes in the pegboard. Many existing hangers use metal hooks or other similar mechanisms to fit the hangers to the pegboard. These existing hangers do not create a stable support and instead allow for significant movement between the hanger and the pegboard. As a result, when a tool or other item is lifted from the hanger the hanger may become dislodged from the pegboard and require replacement.

Other existing hangers may be attached to pegboard such as by securing hangers to the pegboard with zip ties, locking mechanisms, or other fasteners. While providing a more secure attachment to the pegboard, such fasteners increase a difficulty of both installation and removal of the hanger. Current means for securing hooks to pegboards are often not easy to install or remove. Many conventional pegboard hooks on the market today fall out of the pegboard when a tool that was hanging from the hook is removed.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,855,347, issued Jan. 5, 1999 to Hollingsworth et al. (hereinafter “Hollingsworth”), discloses a fastener for holding items to a perforated wall, including fasteners for consumer and commercial uses and in displaying collector items or goods for sale, or for supporting heavy items, or for supporting shelves, platforms, wire frames and similar items on a perforated wall, the item holder having a base member with a fastener insertable into the perforated wall. The fastener has a projection with an axis preferably, but not necessarily, perpendicular to the wall and an axially extending passageway, at least a portion of the projection being displaceable laterally of its axis. An elongated pin, plunger, or cam member is insertable into the passageway in an insertion direction and is effective to displace the projection portion laterally of the projection axis for mounting the item holder to the wall. The locking mechanism may be operated by movement of the pin, plunger, or cam member axially or radially of the fastener. No tools are needed to lock the item holder to the perforated wall.

Hollingsworth addressed how to keep hooks from falling out of pegboards, and came up with an effective solution. However, the annoying problem of up/down and side/side wobble is not addressed by Hollingsworth, or by other patents or prior art. Hollingsworth did not address or even acknowledge the problem or its root cause: dimensional inconsistency in pegboard. The two major inconsistencies in commercially available pegboard are 1) a wide range of board thicknesses, and 2) widely varying hole diameters. Consumers can purchase pegboard products described in the same way from various stores/manufacturers with a board thickness ranging between 3/16″ and ¼″, and hole diameters ranging between 0.21 inch and 0.25 inch.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,407,160, issued Apr. 18, 1995, also to Hollingsworth, discloses an implement for holding objects to a perforated wall having at least one hole passing therethrough from a front wall surface to a rear wall surface, the implement comprising a base member, a tool holding member fixed or fixable to the front of the base member, a fastener fixed or fixable to and projecting from the rear of the base member, and, optionally, a hook-like member fixed to and projecting from the rear of the base member. The hook-like member is spaced from the fastener for engaging the wall behind a second, spaced hole in the wall. The fastener has a first portion fixed or fixable to the base member, a second portion passing into the hole in the wall and extending to the rear wall surface, and a third portion passable through the hole and having at least a portion thereof moveable relative to the opening of the hole after passing through it so as to extend, at least partially, radially outwardly of the periphery of the hole, thereby offering resistance to the removal of the fastener from the hole in a rear-to-front direction. The Hollingsworth design was to keep the hook from falling out of the board, not to eliminate up/down and side/side wobble, and does not address dimensional variation of the pegboard. The Hollingsworth design does not create a clamping force due to the design of their collar. Moreover, the disclosed rear hook design of Hollingsworth is not insertable in the hole without deforming the hole in the process. Further, the Hollingsworth rear hook design implies that the board thickness is consistent by the absence of any mention throughout their patent of varying board thicknesses.

There is a need in the marketplace for pegboard hooks that not only do not fall out (as Hollingsworth does), but also attach firmly to pegboard of widely varying dimensions, thereby preventing or greatly reducing both up/down and side/side wobble.

Further, there are a number of products in the marketplace that appear to the consumer to provide stability, i.e., eliminate up/down and side/side wobble. The standard design is a hook that incorporates a rectangular base, which gives the false impression that stability has been designed into the product. However, to achieve stability, the base must be held firmly against the front face of the pegboard: To be useful to consumers, the design must accommodate the common dimensional variability of pegboard products. No current patents or available products solve this problem.

What is needed, therefore, is an improved pegboard hanger assembly that securely supports items on the pegboard while also allowing the pegboard hanger assembly to be easily installed and removed from the pegboard surface, with essentially no damage to the pegboard during installation or removal, minimizing or eliminating wobble. This improved pegboard hanger assembly should be capable of working with a range of pegboards, accounting for the fact that there is natural variation in board thickness and hole diameter. Further, it would be advantageous for such a pegboard hanger assembly to readily allow identifiers to be attached directly to the hook.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The above and other needs are met by an improved pegboard hanger assembly that securely supports items on the pegboard while also allowing the pegboard hanger assembly to be easily installed and removed from the pegboard surface. Disclosed herein are various example embodiments of the present general inventive concept. In a first aspect, a pegboard hanger assembly is provided for mounting on a pegboard surface including a first hole formed therethrough. The pegboard hanger assembly includes: a hanger including a hanger base and a pin projecting from a rear surface thereof, the pin including flanged end and a grommet locatable on the at least one hole formed through the pegboard surface, the grommet including a passage formed therethrough and an inwardly projecting shoulder formed within the passage of the grommet. The pin projecting from the hanger is insertable through the passage of the grommet and the flanged end of the pin is insertable through the shoulder of the passage of the grommet when the grommet is located on the at least one hole formed through the pegboard surface to secure the hanger on the pegboard surface.

In one embodiment, the hanger further includes a hook projecting from the rear surface of the hanger, wherein the hook is insertable through a second hole of the pegboard surface to further secure the hanger on the pegboard surface. In another embodiment, the hook includes an upwardly projecting end insertable through the second hole of the pegboard surface. In one embodiment, the hook projects sideways relative to the hanger base. In yet another embodiment, the upwardly projecting end curves inwards towards the hanger base such that the upwardly projecting end contacts a back of the pegboard surface. In one embodiment, the upwardly projecting end is reliantly flexible relative to the hanger base.

In another embodiment, the grommet further includes a bevel formed around an open end of the passage through the grommet. In yet another embodiment, the pin further includes a flared portion located between the flange end of the pin and the hanger base.

In one embodiment, the grommet is integrally formed on the first hole of the pegboard surface.

In another embodiment, the pegboard hanger assembly further includes an accessory hook extending from a front face of the hanger base for supporting one or more items on the pegboard surface.

In yet another embodiment, the grommet further includes a split formed along a length of the grommet such that the grommet is insertable through the first hole of the pegboard surface.

In a second aspect, a pegboard hanger assembly for mounting on a pegboard surface including a first hole and a second hole formed therethrough includes: a hanger including a hanger base, a pin projecting from a rear surface thereof and including a flanged end, and a hook projecting from a rear surface of the hanger base and a grommet locatable on the at least one hole formed through the pegboard surface, the grommet including a passage formed therethrough and an inwardly projecting shoulder formed within the passage of the grommet. The pin projecting from the hanger is insertable through the passage of the grommet and the flanged end of the pin is insertable through the shoulder of the passage of the grommet when the grommet is located on the at least one hole formed through the pegboard surface to secure the hanger on the pegboard surface.

In a third aspect, a pegboard hanger assembly for mounting on a pegboard surface including a first hole and a second hole formed therethrough includes: a hanger including a hanger base, a pin projecting from a rear surface thereof and including a flanged end, and a hook projecting from a rear surface of the hanger base, wherein the hook is resiliently flexible relative to the hanger base, and a grommet locatable on the at least one hole formed through the pegboard surface, the grommet including a passage formed therethrough and an inwardly projecting shoulder formed within the passage of the grommet. The pin projecting from the hanger is insertable through the passage of the grommet and the flanged end of the pin is insertable through the shoulder of the passage of the grommet when the grommet is located on the at least one hole formed through the pegboard surface to secure the hanger on the pegboard surface.

In certain example embodiments of the present general inventive concept, a pegboard hanger assembly for mounting on a pegboard surface including a first hole and a second hole formed therethrough includes a hanger including a hanger base, a pin projecting from a rear surface thereof and including a flanged end, and a hook projecting from a rear surface of the hanger base, wherein the hook is resiliently flexible relative to the hanger base; and a grommet adapted to be inserted into and located within the at least one hole formed through the pegboard surface, the grommet including a passage formed therethrough and an inwardly projecting shoulder formed within the passage of the grommet; wherein the pin projecting from the hanger is insertable through the passage of the grommet and the flanged end of the pin is insertable through the shoulder of the passage of the grommet when the grommet is located on the first hole formed through the pegboard surface to secure the hanger on the pegboard surface, said grommet adapted to expand when said pin is inserted though the passage of the grommet so that an outer circumference of said grommet engages in a tight frictional fit with an inner circumference of said first hole formed through the pegboard surface within which said grommet is located, and wherein said hook is insertable through a second hole formed through the pegboard surface to further secure the hanger on the pegboard surface.

In some embodiments, the hook including an upwardly projecting end insertable through the second hole of the pegboard surface.

In some embodiments, the upwardly projecting end curves inwards towards the hanger base such that the upwardly projecting end contacts a back of the pegboard surface.

In some embodiments, the grommet further comprising a bevel formed around an open end of the passage through the grommet.

In some embodiments, the pin further comprising a flared portion located between the flange end of the pin and the hanger base.

Some embodiments further include an accessory hook extending from a front face of the hanger base for supporting one or more items on the pegboard surface.

In some embodiments, the grommet includes a split formed along a length of the grommet.

In some example embodiments of the present general inventive concept, a pegboard hanger assembly for mounting on a pegboard surface including a first hole and a second hole formed therethrough includes a hanger including a hanger base, a first pin projecting from a rear surface thereof and including a flanged end, and a second pin projecting from the rear surface thereof and including a flanged end; a first grommet adapted to be inserted into and located within the first hole formed through the pegboard surface, the first grommet including a passage formed therethrough and an inwardly projecting shoulder folioed within the passage of the first grommet; a second grommet adapted to be inserted into and located within the second hole formed through the pegboard surface, the second grommet including a passage formed therethrough and an inwardly projecting shoulder formed within the passage of the second grommet; wherein said first pin projecting from the hanger is insertable through the passage of the first grommet and the flanged end of the first pin is insertable through the shoulder of the passage of the first grommet when the first grommet is located within the first hole formed through the pegboard surface to secure the hanger on the pegboard surface, and wherein said second pin projecting from the hanger is insertable through the passage of the second grommet and the flanged end of the second pin is insertable through the shoulder of the passage of the second grommet when the second grommet is located within the second hole formed through the pegboard surface to secure the hanger on the pegboard surface, wherein each said grommet adapted to expand when said pin is inserted though the passage of the grommet so that an outer circumference of said grommet engages in a tight frictional or interference fit with an inner circumference of said hole formed through the pegboard surface within which said grommet is located.

FIGURES

The above-mentioned and additional features of the invention will become more clearly understood from the following detailed description of the invention read together with the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a section view of a pegboard hanger assembly according to one example embodiment of the present general inventive concept, showing the hanger and grommet installed on a pegboard surface;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the hanger component of the pegboard hanger assembly illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the grommet component of the pegboard hanger assembly illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a section view of the grommet illustrated in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a section view illustrating generally the installation of the grommet in a hole of the pegboard surface;

FIG. 6 is a section view illustrating generally the installation of the hanger component on the pegboard surface;

FIG. 7 is a section view of an alternate embodiment of the present general inventive concept, showing a hanger with an elongated rear-curving and resiliently flexible upper hook;

FIG. 8 is a section view of an alternate embodiment of the present general inventive concept, showing a hanger with two pins; and

FIG. 9 is a section view of an alternate embodiment of the present general inventive concept.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made to the example embodiments of the present general inventive concept, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and illustrations. The example embodiments are described herein in order to explain the present general inventive concept by referring to the figures.

The following detailed description is provided to assist the reader in gaining a comprehensive understanding of the structures and fabrication techniques described herein. Accordingly, various changes, modification, and equivalents of the structures and fabrication techniques described herein will be suggested to those of ordinary skill in the art. The progression of fabrication operations described are merely examples, however, and the sequence type of operations is not limited to that set forth herein and may be changed as is known in the art, with the exception of operations necessarily occurring in a certain order. Also, description of well-known functions and constructions may be simplified and/or omitted for increased clarity and conciseness.

Various terms used herein are intended to have particular meanings. Some of these terms are defined below for the purpose of clarity. The definitions given below are meant to cover all forms of the words being defined (e.g., singular, plural, present tense, past tense). If the definition of any term below diverges from the commonly understood and/or dictionary definition of such term, the definitions below control.

Note that spatially relative tennis, such as “up,” “down,” “right,” “left,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over or rotated, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

The substantial or effective elimination of hook wobble in both the up/down and side/side directions is the key feature of the present general inventive concept, one that has not been addressed by the prior art. To minimize or substantially eliminate wobble, example embodiments of the present general inventive concept combine a base with a clamping force to hold the base firmly to the outboard face of the pegboard. Example embodiments of the present general inventive concept are able to accommodate and work with variation of the board thickness and hole diameter. In particular, in some of the example embodiments illustrated herein, the clamping action of the base against the pegboard is achieved through some combination of three features: (1) a preloaded spring force created by the rear hook that accommodates various board thicknesses; (2) a grommet feature that holds the base firmly against the front face of a pegboard with various board thicknesses; and (3) a grommet feature that holds the base firmly (up/down, side/side, in/out) with varying hole diameters.

An effective rear hook design must be: (1) physically insertable without deforming the pegboard hole, (2) easily insertable/removable by the consumer, and (3) designed to achieve adequate preload over a range of board thicknesses.

An effective grommet design must: (1) firmly grip both the interior circumference of the pegboard hole and the outer circumference of the inserted pin, (2) provide adequate grip to the inner circumference of the pegboard hole over a range of pegboard hole diameters, (3) be easily insertable/removable by the consumer, and (4) provide adequate inner circumference and outer circumference grip to resist the preload created by the rear hook (i.e., maintain the preload of the base to the pegboard).

The grommet design of the present general inventive concept is unique. The spring-loaded rear hook design is also unique. It is insertable into a “tunnel” created by the holes in the pegboard, where the tunnel has both a variable diameter and variable depth. In addition to being insertable, it creates a clamping force that is effective over a range of board thicknesses. Thus, the grommet by itself creates a resistance to up/down movement and side-to-side movement. (This is also true in example embodiments in which there is one grommet, two grommets, three or more grommets, and so on. This is also true in example embodiments which include one or more grommets and no rear hook.)

Turning to the Figures, FIG. 1 shows a basic embodiment of a pegboard hanger assembly 10 for supporting an item on a pegboard surface 12. The pegboard hanger assembly 10 includes a hanger 14 and a grommet 16 for securing the hanger 14 to the pegboard surface 12. The hanger 14 removably engages the grommet 16 to form a tight fit of the hanger 14 to the pegboard surface 12 to prevent the hanger 14 from becoming dislodged from the pegboard surface 12 when hanging and removing items from the hanger 14. As shown in FIG. 1 and further illustrated in FIG. 2, the hanger 14 includes a hanger base 18. The hanger base 18 is preferably substantially flat and elongated in shape. The hanger base 18 includes a rear surface 181 (adapted to face the pegboard surface when the pegboard hanger assembly is installed on a pegboard surface) (shown in FIG. 6) and an opposing front surface 182. A hooked portion 20 is formed on the hanger base 18 and protrudes from the front surface 182 of the hanger base 18; the hooked portion 20 is adapted to support an item, such as a tool, on the hanger 14.

Although the illustrated example embodiment seen in FIGS. 1 & 2 shows a specific embodiment of a hanger 14 having the hooked portion 20, it is also understood that embodiments of the pegboard hanger assembly 10 may be implemented on a variety of accessories supported on the pegboard surface 12. For example, instead of the hooked portion 20 it is to be understood that embodiments of the hanger 14 may include double hooks, elongated hooks, baskets, bins, shelves, loops for securing cords thereon, and other accessories that may be secured to the pegboard surface 12. Alternatively, a face of the hanger base 18 may include a magnet, a VELCRO® or hook-and-loop fastener patch, or other similar components formed thereon for releasably securing one or more items on the hanger base 18.

With further reference to FIG. 2, the hanger 14 further includes a lower pin 26 projecting from and formed on the rear surface 181 of the hanger base 18. The lower pin 26 is shaped to include a flanged end 28 and a flared portion 30 formed along a length of the lower pin 26 between the flanged end 28 and the hanger base 18. In most example embodiments, the lower pin 26 is generally formed at a bottom end of the hanger base 18 and extends substantially perpendicularly or orthogonally to the rear surface 181 of the hanger base 18.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the pegboard hanger assembly 10 further includes the grommet 16 shaped to form a snap fit engagement with the lower pin 26 on the pegboard surface 12. As shown in FIGS. 3-5, the grommet 16 includes a passage formed therethrough, with an inner portion of the grommet 16 shaped to fit with the flanged end 28 and the flared portion 30 of the lower pin 26. The grommet 16 includes a body 32 that has a diameter such that the body 32 is insertable through holes of the pegboard surface 12 during installation of the pegboard hanger assembly 10. A split 34 is formed along a length of the body 32 such that sides of the body 32 are resiliently flexible, such as by flexing outwardly when the lower pin 26 is inserted into the grommet 16.

While the grommet 16 is described as being secured on the pegboard surface 12 by flexing outwardly, it is also understood that the grommet 16 may otherwise be secured to the pegboard surface 12, such as by being molded in place, or such as by a twisting expansion of the grommet 16 or a peg having a compressible material applied over a smaller stiffer peg or cover, or such as by being over-molded. Embodiments may also include use of more flexible or tackier materials that would allow the grommet to engage the pegboard surface 12 without the use of the split 34.

Referring further to FIGS. 3 and 4, an inner portion of the grommet 16 further includes a shoulder 36 formed around the inner portion of the grommet 16 proximate to an open end 38 of the grommet 16. The shoulder 36 is shaped to engage the flared portion 30 of the lower pin 26 to substantially secure the lower pin 26 within the grommet 16. The open end 38 further preferably includes a bevel 40 formed around the open end 38 to aid in inserting the lower pin 26 into the grommet 16 as discussed in greater detail below. Embodiments of the present disclosure may include a grommet 16 formed of a flexible material that can receive the lower pin 26 such that the grommet 16 expands without the split 34. In one embodiment, the grommet 16 may include a groove or gap formed thereon to aid in removal of the grommet from the pegboard surface 12, such as by inserting a tool or other device into the groove or gap between the grommet 16 and the pegboard surface 12. In one embodiment, the grommet 16 is substantially integrated with a pegboard such that the hanger 14 may be installed thereon.

The hanger 14 and grommet 16 are preferably molded of a polymer material such that elements of the hanger 14 and grommet 16 are readily manufactured and further such that portion of the hanger 14 and/or grommet 16 are resiliently flexible during installation and use of the hanger assembly 10. The hanger 14 and grommet 16 may each be formed as a single piece, such as by injection molding.

The hanger 14 includes an upper hook 22 projecting from the hanger base 18 towards an upper end of the hanger base 18. The upper hook 22 is shaped to be inserted into one of the plurality of holes formed through the pegboard surface 12 and includes an upwardly projecting end 24 that is shaped to secure the upper end of the hanger base 18 to the pegboard surface 12. The upwardly projecting end 24 may be spaced apart from a back side of the hanger base 18 a distance that is proximate to a thickness of the pegboard surface 12 such that the upper hook 22 tightly secures the hanger base 18 to the pegboard surface 12 when the hanger 14 is attached to the pegboard surface 12 as discussed in greater detail below. The upper hook 22 has a diameter that is less than a diameter of holes formed through the pegboard surface 12 such that the upper hook 22 is insertable through holes of the pegboard surface 12. In most example embodiments, the lower pin 26 is generally formed at a bottom end of the hanger base 18 and extends substantially parallel to at least a portion of the upper hook 22 towards the pegboard surface 12.

The illustrated example pegboard 12 includes an outboard surface 121 and an inboard surface 122, with the outboard surface 121 (FIG. 6) of the pegboard 12 being the surface facing a user when the pegboard is installed; the outboard surface 121 of the pegboard 12 is the surface against which the rear surface 181 of the hanger base 18 lies or faces when the hanger assembly 10 is installed on the pegboard 12 as shown in FIG. 1. To install the hanger assembly 10 on a pegboard surface 12, the grommet 16 is pressed into a first hole 42 formed through the pegboard surface 12, as shown in FIG. 5. Referring to FIG. 6, the hanger 14 is next installed on the pegboard surface 12. In a first step, the upper hook 22 is inserted into a second hole 44 of the pegboard surface 12. The orientation of the upper hook 22 is such that the hanger 14 may be tilted to properly insert the upper hook 22 into the second hole 44 of the pegboard surface 12. After inserting the upper hook 22 into the second hole 44, the hanger 14 is then tilted towards a position wherein the hanger base 18 is flat against the pegboard surface 12. The lower pin 26 is aligned with the open end 38 of the grommet 16 and the bevel 40 formed around the open end 38 of the grommet aids in aligning the lower pin 26 with the open end 38 of the grommet 16. As the lower pin 26 is inserted into the open end 38 of the grommet 16, the hanger 14 is pressed against the pegboard surface 12 until the lower pin 26 snaps into the grommet 16.

When the lower pin 26 of the hanger 14 is installed on the grommet 16 on the pegboard surface 12, the hanger 14 is secured by the lower pin 26 being secured to the grommet 16 and the grommet 16 thereby also being secured to the pegboard surface 12. When the grommet 16 is removably installed on the pegboard surface 12, insertion of the lower pin 26 into the grommet 16 prevents the grommet 16 from being removed from the pegboard surface 12. As the lower pin 26 is inserted into the grommet 16, the body 32 of the grommet 16 expands about the split 34 formed in the body 32 to tightly secure the grommet 16 within the first hole 42 of the pegboard surface 12. When the lower pin 26 is inserted into the grommet 16, an outer edge of the grommet 16 contacts at least a portion of the inner circumference of the lower aperture 42 formed through the pegboard surface 12, substantially preventing removal of the grommet 16 from the pegboard surface 12 until the lower pin 26 is removed from the grommet 16. The shoulder 36 formed around the inner portion of the grommet 16 grips the outer circumference of the lower pin 26, just as the flared portion 30 of the lower pin presses against the inner circumference of the grommet 16; the shoulder 36 and flared portion 30 both work to faun a close frictional relationship between the grommet 16 and the lower pin 26, securing the lower pin 26 within the grommet 16 and in turn the grommet 16 within the lower aperture 42 formed through the pegboard surface 12.

Once installed, the hanger 14 is thereafter tightly secured to the pegboard surface 12 with the grommet 16 and the upper hook 22. As shown in the figures, the upper hook 22 tightens the hanger base 18 against the pegboard surface 12 when the lower pin 26 is snapped into the grommet 16. Further, as the lower pin 26 is inserted into the grommet 16, the body 32 of the grommet 16 expands about the split 34 formed in the body 32 to tightly secure the grommet 16 within the first hole 42 of the pegboard surface 12. That is, as the lower pin 26 is inserted into the grommet 16, the flared portion 30 of the lower pin 26 temporarily deforms the shoulder 36 of the grommet 16. The grommet 16 expands, creating a frictional fit between the grommet 16 and the first hole 42 of the pegboard surface 12. At the same time, the lower pin 26 and the grommet 16 are also in a frictional fit. Once the lower pin 16 is fully installed—that is, fully inserted—the flared portion 30 of the lower pin 26 is trapped by the shoulder 36 of the grommet 16. In this way, the shoulder 36 of the grommet 16 locks the lower pin 26 in place.

Moreover, in some example embodiments, as the grommet expands within the hole in the pegboard surface, the grommet expands and the outboard surface of the grommet is deformed in places in such a way as to fill gaps and imperfections in the uneven surface of the pegboard hole. This expansion and deformation of the grommet contributes to the frictional fit between the grommet and the pegboard hole.

Referring to FIG. 7, in one example embodiment of the pegboard hanger assembly 10 a, the upwardly projecting end 24 a of the upper hook 22 a of the hanger 14 a is shaped such that the upper hook 22 a is adaptable to the pegboard surface 12 a having varying degrees of thickness. In the embodiment of FIG. 7, the upwardly projecting end 24 a of the upper hook 22 a is resiliently flexible with respect to the hanger base 18 such that the upper hook 22 a secures the hanger base 18 to the pegboard surface 12 a when a thickness of the pegboard surface 12 a varies. As shown in FIG. 7, the upper hook 22 a initially projects from the hanger base 18 such that the upper hook 22 a substantially extends through the pegboard surface 12 a. The upper hook 22 a is preferably inwardly curved such that the upper hook 22 a curves back towards the pegboard surface 12 a. The upwardly projecting end 24 a of the upper hook 22 a preferably contacts a back of the pegboard surface 12 a, thereby securing at least an upper portion of the hanger base 18 to the pegboard surface 12 a. While reference is made herein to the upwardly projecting end 24 a of the upper hook 22 a, it is also understood that embodiments may include locating the upper hook such that the upwardly projecting end extends in other suitable directions, such as laterally or downwardly with respect to the hanger.

In the embodiment of FIG. 7, wherein the upper hook 22 a is inwardly hooked and contacts a back side of the pegboard surface 12 a, when the lower pin 26 is secured to the grommet 16, the resiliently flexible upper hook 22 a is flexed such that a preload is created on the hanger 14 a to prevent any play or movement of the hanger 14 a relative to the pegboard surface 12 a. As the lower pin 26 is urged towards the grommet 16, the resiliently flexible upper hook 22 a resists play or movement of the hanger 14 a. When the lower pin 26 is inserted into the grommet 16, the connection between the lower pin 26 and the grommet 16 is such that the resiliently flexible upper hook 22 a remains in tension without causing the lower pin 26 to release from the grommet 16.

Embodiments of the pegboard hanger assembly include a kit of parts that may be provided for securing the hanger to pegboard surfaces having a variety of shapes and dimensions. For example, a plurality of grommets may be molded and provided with the grommets having different sizes to fit within various pegboard surfaces having holes with varying dimensions. A user may select a grommet that is best sized to fit within a particular pegboard for use with the hanger. In one embodiment, a variety of grommets are provided that are shaped to fit with a pegboard surface having holes with varying diameters and with pegboard surfaces having varying thicknesses. In another embodiment, all or portions of the grommet may be integrally formed as part of the pegboard surface.

As shown in the illustrated example embodiment in FIG. 8, some example embodiments of the pegboard hanger assembly 10 b include a pair of pins for securing the hanger 14 b to a pegboard 12. That is, the hanger includes an upper pin 26 a and a lower pin 26 b, each configured to work cooperatively with, respectively, an upper grommet 16 a and a lower grommet 26 b, with each pin and grommet working together substantially as described above. In this example embodiment, the pair of pins 26 a, 26 b cooperatively secure the hanger 14 b to the pegboard 12, minimizing or substantially eliminating wobble, with the upper pin 26 a and upper grommet 16 a replacing the upper hook shown in previous Figures.

It is to be understood that example embodiments of the present general inventive concept include embodiments of the pegboard hanger assembly which incorporate more than two grommets and pins. It is to be understood that example embodiments of the present general inventive concept include embodiments of the pegboard hanger assembly which include a single grommet and pin, with no rear hook. Further, example embodiments of the present general inventive concept include embodiments of the pegboard hanger assembly which incorporate more than one rear hook, particularly to support more weight without damaging the pegboard hole or the pegboard as a whole.

Embodiments of the hanger 14 may include a hole, slot, or other similar feature formed on the hanger 14 for securing an identifier to the hanger 14 to identify an item to be stored on or hung from the hanger 14. For example, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, a hole 25 may be formed through the hanger 14 for receiving a tag or other visual indicator to be hung from the hanger 14. As shown in FIG. 9, in various embodiments the hanger 14 may include a slot 27 located on the hanger 14 for supporting the visual indicator (such as a card or other indicator). In one example, the hanger 14 may further include a small secondary hook 29 formed on the hanger base 18 for receiving a tag or other visual indicator. Similarly, a snap 31 or other similar attachment means may be formed on the hanger base 18 for receiving a tag or other visual indicator on the hanger 14.

The pegboard hanger assembly 10 is readily secured to the pegboard surface 12 and provides a sturdy support for supporting items, such as tools or other accessories. The pegboard hanger assembly 10 is readily installed on and removed from the pegboard surface 12 without requiring any specialized tools or other devices to aid in installation and removal. Embodiments of the present disclosure are suitable for any surface that has been made, modified, or used to receive pegboard style hooks or any surface or item that is capable of holding pegboard style or similar hooks. For example, while embodiments illustrated in figures herein show the pegboard surface 12 having a plurality of circular holes, it is also understood that embodiments of the pegboard hanger assembly 10 described herein may be suitable for use with various other types of surfaces, such as those having elongated holes or slots or other various similar surfaces.

The pegboard hanger assembly 10 of the present disclosure advantageously allows installation of a pegboard hanger on a pegboard such that the hanger is securely mounted on the pegboard. Any play or movement of the hanger is substantially reduced as the hanger is tightly secured against the pegboard. Further, no tools may be required to install the hanger, nor is access to a backside of the pegboard required to secure the hanger to the pegboard. The pegboard hanger assembly 10 of the present disclosure may allow for ready installation and removal of the hanger to securely support tools and other items on the pegboard.

Various example embodiments of the present general inventive concept provide a pegboard hanger assembly for mounting on a pegboard surface including a first hole and a second hole formed therethrough includes a hanger including a hanger base, a pin projecting from a rear surface thereof and including a flanged end, and a hook projecting from a rear surface of the hanger base, wherein the hook is resiliently flexible relative to the hanger base; and a grommet adapted to be inserted into and located within the at least one hole formed through the pegboard surface, the grommet including a passage formed therethrough and an inwardly projecting shoulder formed within the passage of the grommet; wherein the pin projecting from the hanger is insertable through the passage of the grommet and the flanged end of the pin is insertable through the shoulder of the passage of the grommet when the grommet is located on the first hole formed through the pegboard surface to secure the hanger on the pegboard surface, said grommet adapted to expand when said pin is inserted though the passage of the grommet so that an outer circumference of said grommet engages in a tight frictional fit with an inner circumference of said first hole formed through the pegboard surface within which said grommet is located, and wherein said hook is insertable through a second hole formed through the pegboard surface to further secure the hanger on the pegboard surface.

In some embodiments, the hook including an upwardly projecting end insertable through the second hole of the pegboard surface.

In some embodiments, the upwardly projecting end curves inwards towards the hanger base such that the upwardly projecting end contacts a back of the pegboard surface.

In some embodiments, the grommet further comprising a bevel formed around an open end of the passage through the grommet.

In some embodiments, the pin further comprising a flared portion located between the flange end of the pin and the hanger base.

Some embodiments further include an accessory hook extending from a front face of the hanger base for supporting one or more items on the pegboard surface.

In some embodiments, the grommet includes a split formed along a length of the grommet.

In some example embodiments of the present general inventive concept, a pegboard hanger assembly for mounting on a pegboard surface including a first hole and a second hole formed therethrough includes a hanger including a hanger base, a first pin projecting from a rear surface thereof and including a flanged end, and a second pin projecting from the rear surface thereof and including a flanged end; a first grommet adapted to be inserted into and located within the first hole formed through the pegboard surface, the first grommet including a passage formed therethrough and an inwardly projecting shoulder formed within the passage of the first grommet; a second grommet adapted to be inserted into and located within the second hole formed through the pegboard surface, the second grommet including a passage formed therethrough and an inwardly projecting shoulder formed within the passage of the second grommet; wherein said first pin projecting from the hanger is insertable through the passage of the first grommet and the flanged end of the first pin is insertable through the shoulder of the passage of the first grommet when the first grommet is located within the first hole formed through the pegboard surface to secure the hanger on the pegboard surface, and wherein said second pin projecting from the hanger is insertable through the passage of the second grommet and the flanged end of the second pin is insertable through the shoulder of the passage of the second grommet when the second grommet is located within the second hole formed through the pegboard surface to secure the hanger on the pegboard surface, wherein each said grommet adapted to expand when said pin is inserted though the passage of the grommet so that an outer circumference of said grommet engages in a tight frictional fit with an inner circumference of said hole formed through the pegboard surface within which said grommet is located.

In some example embodiments of the present general inventive concept, a pegboard hanger assembly for mounting on a pegboard surface including a first hole and a second hole formed therethrough, the pegboard hanger assembly includes a hanger including a hanger base, a pin projecting from a rear surface thereof and including a flanged end and a flared portion located between the flanged end of the pin and the hanger base, and a rear hook projecting from a rear surface of the hanger base, said rear hook including an upwardly projecting end, wherein the rear hook is resiliently flexible relative to the hanger base; and an accessory attachment member positioned on a front face of the hanger base for supporting one or more items on the pegboard surface; and a grommet adapted to be inserted into and located within the first hole formed through the pegboard surface, the grommet including a passage formed therethrough and an inwardly projecting shoulder formed within the passage of the grommet, said grommet including a bevel formed around an open end of the passage through the grommet; wherein the pin projecting from the hanger is insertable through the passage of the grommet and the flanged end of the pin is insertable through the shoulder of the passage of the grommet when the grommet is located on the first hole formed through the pegboard surface to secure the hanger on the pegboard surface, said grommet adapted to expand when said pin is inserted though the passage of the grommet so that an outer circumference of said grommet engages in a tight frictional fit with an inner circumference of said first hole formed through the pegboard surface within which said grommet is located, and so that said pin engages in a tight frictional fit with said grommet, the frictional fit between pin and grommet and the frictional fit between grommet and inner circumference of said first hole working to substantially reduce side-to-side wobble and up-down-wobble, said inwardly projecting shoulder of said grommet interacting frictionally with said flared portion of said pin so as to lock said pin in place within said grommet; and wherein said rear hook is insertable through a second hole formed through the pegboard surface to further secure the hanger on the pegboard surface, said rear hook bearing pre-load during installation of pegboard hanger assembly.

In some embodiments, said accessory attachment member positioned on a front face of the hanger base includes a hook, a magnet, or a hook-and-loop fastener material.

In some example embodiments of the present general inventive concept, a pegboard hanger assembly for mounting on a pegboard surface including a first hole and a second hole formed therethrough, the pegboard hanger assembly includes a hanger including a hanger base, a pin projecting from a rear surface thereof and including a flanged end and a flared portion located between the flanged end of the pin and the hanger base; and a grommet adapted to be inserted into and located within the first hole formed through the pegboard surface, the grommet including a passage formed therethrough and an inwardly projecting shoulder formed within the passage of the grommet, said grommet including a bevel formed around an open end of the passage through the grommet; wherein the pin projecting from the hanger is insertable through the passage of the grommet and the flanged end of the pin is insertable through the shoulder of the passage of the grommet when the grommet is located on the first hole formed through the pegboard surface to secure the hanger on the pegboard surface, said grommet adapted to expand when said pin is inserted though the passage of the grommet so that an outer circumference of said grommet engages in a tight frictional fit with an inner circumference of said first hole formed through the pegboard surface within which said grommet is located, and so that said pin engages in a tight frictional fit with said grommet, the frictional fit between pin and grommet and the frictional fit between grommet and inner circumference of said first hole working to substantially reduce side-to-side wobble and up-down-wobble, said inwardly projecting shoulder of said grommet interacting frictionally with said flared portion of said pin so as to lock said pin in place within said grommet.

In some embodiments, the pegboard hanger assembly includes two pins and two grommets.

In some embodiments, the pegboard hanger assembly includes three pins and three grommets.

In some embodiments, the pegboard hanger assembly includes more than three pins and more than three grommets.

Some embodiments further include a rear hook projecting from a rear surface of the hanger base, said rear hook including an upwardly projecting end, wherein the rear hook is resiliently flexible relative to the hanger base, wherein said rear hook is insertable through a second hole formed through the pegboard surface to further secure the hanger on the pegboard surface, said rear hook bearing pre-load during installation of pegboard hanger assembly.

In some embodiments, the pegboard hanger assembly includes more one rear hook.

Some embodiments further include an accessory attachment member positioned on a front face of the hanger base for supporting one or more items on the pegboard surface, said accessory attachment member including a hook, a magnet, or a hook-and-loop fastener material.

Thus, it may be seen that example embodiments of the present general inventive concept provide a hanger assembly that allows for the hanger base to be held firmly against the outboard face of the pegboard. Designs according to example embodiments of the present general inventive concept are able to accommodate the common dimensional variability of pegboard products. It may be further seen that designs according to example embodiments of the present general inventive concept provide an improved pegboard hanger assembly that securely supports items on the pegboard while also allowing the pegboard hanger assembly to be easily installed and removed from the pegboard surface, minimizing or eliminating wobble. Further, example embodiments of the present general inventive concept readily allow identifiers to be attached directly to the hook of the pegboard hanger assembly.

The foregoing description of preferred embodiments of the present disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. The described preferred embodiments are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scope of the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments are chosen and described in an effort to provide the best illustrations of the principles of the disclosure and its practical application, and to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the concepts revealed in the disclosure in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the disclosure as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled. While the present invention has been illustrated by description of several embodiments and while the illustrative embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and methods, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of applicant's general inventive concept. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A pegboard hanger assembly for mounting on a pegboard surface including a first hole and a second hole formed therethrough, the pegboard hanger assembly comprising: a hanger including a hanger base, a pin projecting from a rear surface thereof and including a flanged end, and a hook projecting from a rear surface of the hanger base, wherein the hook is resiliently flexible relative to the hanger base; and a grommet adapted to be inserted into and located within the at least one hole formed through the pegboard surface, the grommet including a passage formed therethrough and an inwardly projecting shoulder formed within the passage of the grommet; wherein the pin projecting from the hanger is insertable through the passage of the grommet and the flanged end of the pin is insertable through the shoulder of the passage of the grommet when the grommet is located on the first hole formed through the pegboard surface to secure the hanger on the pegboard surface, said grommet adapted to expand when said pin is inserted though the passage of the grommet so that an outer circumference of said grommet engages in a tight frictional fit with an inner circumference of said first hole formed through the pegboard surface within which said grommet is located, and wherein said hook is insertable through a second hole formed through the pegboard surface to further secure the hanger on the pegboard surface.
 2. The pegboard hanger assembly of claim 1, the hook including an upwardly projecting end insertable through the second hole of the pegboard surface.
 3. The pegboard hanger assembly of claim 2, wherein the upwardly projecting end curves inwards towards the hanger base such that the upwardly projecting end contacts a back of the pegboard surface.
 4. The pegboard hanger assembly of claim 1, the grommet further comprising a bevel formed around an open end of the passage through the grommet.
 5. The pegboard hanger assembly of claim 1, the pin further comprising a flared portion located between the flanged end of the pin and the hanger base.
 6. The pegboard hanger assembly of claim 1, further comprising an accessory hook extending from a front face of the hanger base for supporting one or more items on the pegboard surface.
 7. The pegboard hanger assembly of claim 1, the grommet further comprising a split formed along a length of the grommet.
 8. A pegboard hanger assembly for mounting on a pegboard surface including a first hole and a second hole formed therethrough, the pegboard hanger assembly comprising: a hanger including a hanger base, a first pin projecting from a rear surface thereof and including a flanged end, and a second pin projecting from the rear surface thereof and including a flanged end; a first grommet adapted to be inserted into and located within the first hole formed through the pegboard surface, the first grommet including a passage formed therethrough and an inwardly projecting shoulder formed within the passage of the first grommet; a second grommet adapted to be inserted into and located within the second hole formed through the pegboard surface, the second grommet including a passage formed therethrough and an inwardly projecting shoulder formed within the passage of the second grommet; wherein said first pin projecting from the hanger is insertable through the passage of the first grommet and the flanged end of the first pin is insertable through the shoulder of the passage of the first grommet when the first grommet is located within the first hole formed through the pegboard surface to secure the hanger on the pegboard surface, and wherein said second pin projecting from the hanger is insertable through the passage of the second grommet and the flanged end of the second pin is insertable through the shoulder of the passage of the second grommet when the second grommet is located within the second hole formed through the pegboard surface to secure the hanger on the pegboard surface, wherein each said grommet adapted to expand when said pin is inserted though the passage of the grommet so that an outer circumference of said grommet engages in a tight frictional fit with an inner circumference of said hole formed through the pegboard surface within which said grommet is located.
 9. A pegboard hanger assembly for mounting on a pegboard surface including a first hole and a second hole formed therethrough, the pegboard hanger assembly comprising: a hanger including a hanger base, a pin projecting from a rear surface thereof and including a flanged end and a flared portion located between the flanged end of the pin and the hanger base, and a rear hook projecting from a rear surface of the hanger base, said rear hook including an upwardly projecting end, wherein the rear hook is resiliently flexible relative to the hanger base; and an accessory attachment member positioned on a front face of the hanger base for supporting one or more items on the pegboard surface; and a grommet adapted to be inserted into and located within the first hole formed through the pegboard surface, the grommet including a passage formed therethrough and an inwardly projecting shoulder formed within the passage of the grommet, said grommet including a bevel formed around an open end of the passage through the grommet; wherein the pin projecting from the hanger is insertable through the passage of the grommet and the flanged end of the pin is insertable through the shoulder of the passage of the grommet when the grommet is located on the first hole formed through the pegboard surface to secure the hanger on the pegboard surface, said grommet adapted to expand when said pin is inserted though the passage of the grommet so that an outer circumference of said grommet engages in a tight frictional fit with an inner circumference of said first hole formed through the pegboard surface within which said grommet is located, and so that said pin engages in a tight frictional fit with said grommet, the frictional fit between pin and grommet and the frictional fit between grommet and inner circumference of said first hole working to substantially reduce side-to-side wobble and up-down-wobble, said inwardly projecting shoulder of said grommet interacting frictionally with said flared portion of said pin so as to lock said pin in place within said grommet; and wherein said rear hook is insertable through a second hole formed through the pegboard surface to further secure the hanger on the pegboard surface, said rear hook bearing pre-load during installation of pegboard hanger assembly.
 10. The pegboard hanger assembly of claim 9, wherein said accessory attachment member positioned on a front face of the hanger base includes a hook, a magnet, or a hook-and-loop fastener material.
 11. A pegboard hanger assembly for mounting on a pegboard surface including a first hole and a second hole formed therethrough, the pegboard hanger assembly comprising: a hanger including a hanger base, a pin projecting from a rear surface thereof and including a flanged end and a flared portion located between the flanged end of the pin and the hanger base; and a grommet adapted to be inserted into and located within the first hole formed through the pegboard surface, the grommet including a passage formed therethrough and an inwardly projecting shoulder formed within the passage of the grommet, said grommet including a bevel formed around an open end of the passage through the grommet; wherein the pin projecting from the hanger is insertable through the passage of the grommet and the flanged end of the pin is insertable through the shoulder of the passage of the grommet when the grommet is located on the first hole formed through the pegboard surface to secure the hanger on the pegboard surface, said grommet adapted to expand when said pin is inserted though the passage of the grommet so that an outer circumference of said grommet engages in a tight frictional fit with an inner circumference of said first hole formed through the pegboard surface within which said grommet is located, and so that said pin engages in a tight frictional fit with said grommet, the frictional fit between pin and grommet and the frictional fit between grommet and inner circumference of said first hole working to substantially reduce side-to-side wobble and up-down-wobble, said inwardly projecting shoulder of said grommet interacting frictionally with said flared portion of said pin so as to lock said pin in place within said grommet.
 12. The pegboard hanger assembly of claim 11, wherein the pegboard hanger assembly includes two pins and two grommets.
 13. The pegboard hanger assembly of claim 11, wherein the pegboard hanger assembly includes three pins and three grommets.
 14. The pegboard hanger assembly of claim 11, wherein the pegboard hanger assembly includes more than three pins and more than three grommets.
 15. The pegboard hanger assembly of claim 11, further comprising a rear hook projecting from a rear surface of the hanger base, said rear hook including an upwardly projecting end, wherein the rear hook is resiliently flexible relative to the hanger base, wherein said rear hook is insertable through a second hole formed through the pegboard surface to further secure the hanger on the pegboard surface, said rear hook bearing pre-load during installation of pegboard hanger assembly.
 16. The pegboard hanger assembly of claim 15, wherein the pegboard hanger assembly includes more one rear hook.
 17. The pegboard assembly of claim 11, further comprising an accessory attachment member positioned on a front face of the hanger base for supporting one or more items on the pegboard surface, said accessory attachment member including a hook, a magnet, or a hook-and-loop fastener material. 